Naomi Osaka’s impressive turnaround under her new coach at the 2025 Canadian Open hasn’t gone unnoticed by Brad Gilbert. The veteran coach and analyst, best known for guiding Coco Gauff during her meteoric run in 2023, took to social media to weigh in on Osaka’s resurgence under her new, high-profile coach, Tomasz Wiktorowski.
With four solid wins under her belt in Montreal, Osaka is showing signs of her old self, and Gilbert thinks the coaching switch may be precisely what she needed to rediscover her form.
How Did Iga Świątek’s Ex-Coach Transform Osaka’s Game So Quickly?
After an early exit at the Mubadala Citi DC Open, where she was ousted in straight sets by Emma Raducanu, Osaka split with Patrick Mouratoglou. It began working on a trial basis with Wiktorowski. The Polish coach knows what it takes to develop champions, guiding Iga Świątek to World No. 1 and multiple Grand Slam triumphs.
Wiktorowski’s track record speaks volumes. He helped Świątek capture four Majors and maintain a dominant run atop the WTA rankings between 2022 and 2024. The coach and Świątek parted ways amicably in October 2024, making him available for Osaka’s team.
The partnership appears to be paying dividends immediately. Osaka powered past Ariana Arseneault, Liudmila Samsonova, Jeļena Ostapenko, and Anastasija Sevastova to reach her second career quarterfinal at the Canadian Open. The progression through each round showed increasing confidence and sharper execution.
A dominant win for Naomi Osaka as she books a spot in the #OBN25 quarter-finals pic.twitter.com/VSPsXyenQp
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) August 3, 2025
Watching from afar, Gilbert couldn’t help but notice the transformation. The veteran coach tweeted, “interesting best Double Osaka has looked for awile with Iga Pop old coach and happens a lot for the coach you play your former player right away.”
interesting best Double Osaka has looked for awile with Iga Pop old coach and happens a lot for the coach you play your former player right away
— Brad Gilbert (@bgtennisnation) August 3, 2025
Why Does Gilbert Believe This Coaching Change Could Be Different?
Gilbert’s observation about instant coaching impacts carries real weight from his experience. While he may have prematurely hinted at a potential quarterfinal clash between Osaka and Świątek (which never materialized after Świątek lost in the fourth round to Clara Tauson), his broader point about coaching chemistry rings true.
The veteran coach witnessed this dynamic firsthand with Gauff. In 2023, he joined forces with Gauff shortly before the North American hard-court swing. The results came quickly and dramatically. Within weeks, Gauff claimed titles at the Mubadala Citi DC Open, Cincinnati Open, and her maiden Grand Slam at the US Open.
That rapid transformation mirrors what Gilbert sees happening with Osaka and Wiktorowski. Sometimes the right coach arrives at precisely the right moment, when a player is ready to embrace new methods and perspectives.
What’s Next for Osaka’s Canadian Open Run?
The real test comes in the quarterfinals, where Osaka faces 10th seed Elina Svitolina. This matchup marks their eighth encounter on the WTA Tour, with Osaka currently leading their head-to-head 4-3. The Ukrainian veteran brings her own experience and defensive skills to the court.
Beyond that potential hurdle, the winner will advance to meet either sixth seed Madison Keys or 16th seed Clara Tauson in the semifinals. Each step forward represents another validation of the coaching partnership and Osaka’s renewed focus.
Gilbert and tennis fans are now watching to see if this coaching change can sustain Osaka’s momentum beyond Montreal. The early signs point to a player rediscovering the form that once made her one of the sport’s biggest stars.
MORE: Naomi Osaka Reveals She’s ‘Really Enjoying’ Spending Time With Iga Świątek’s Former Coach Amid Canadian Open Surge
